RCIC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I prepare my child for their Sacraments?
What are the Requirements to Register my child for the Sacrament?
To completely register your child for the sacraments, the child must have completed two years of sacramental education in All Saints Religious Education, a parochial school, or an approved home school program.
The following must be submitted together at the same time:
When is the Registration deadline?
The registration deadline is January 19, 2023. The registration application, the copy of the baptismal (baptized children) or birth certificate (unbaptized children), and the sacrament fee must all be submitted together. No child is denied Sacraments if there is an inability to pay the sacrament registration fee. Please contact Samantha Welsh at swelsh@allsaintsva.org for more information.
Where can I find the sacrament registration forms?
Click on the registration button under the RCIC tab on the All Saints Religious Education webpage. https://www.allsaintsreligiouseducation.org/rcic--rcia.html
How do I submit my registration documents?
Are there other program requirements that my child needs to complete, other than registering for the sacrament?
Once the registration information is submitted, parents will receive the program requirements packet to including sponsor form, saint report information, service information, and retreat registration form. This information will be sent via parent email.
Is my child receiving all three sacraments? Which sacraments will they receive?
My child is baptized and needs to receive First Reconciliation. When will they receive this sacrament?
If my child is unbaptized, when will they receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation?
Does my child need a Sponsor? What are the requirements of the Sponsor?
Each student receiving the sacraments must choose ONE person to be a sponsor. The sponsor must:
Once completed, the form should be returned to All Saints, ATTN: Tracy Polanco, by February 16, 2023
Sponsor Form Deadline: February 16, 2023. If the student does not have an approved sponsor by February 16 one may be assigned by the pastor.
Does my student have to choose a saint name? Do they need to submit a report?
Each student receiving the sacraments must choose a saint name. They should choose a saint who lived their life in a way that the student sees as a great way of living in a Christ-like way. The student can ask the patron saint for help and guidance, and pray for his or her intentions.
Students must write and submit a report on the saint they would like to choose. The report will need to be neatly written or typed and is due on March 28, 2023.
Students will need to include the information listed in the Saint Report Guide. This will be found in the information emailed to you once your sacrament registration is received and complete.
Saint Report Deadline: March 28, 2023. If the child does not receive approval for a selected patron saint by March 28, 2023 one may be assigned by the pastor.
Will my child attend a sacrament retreat?
All students must attend a sacrament retreat. A retreat permission form must be completed for the student to attend the retreat. This information will be emailed to you once your sacrament registration is received and complete.
Retreat Permission form Due Date: February 2, 2023.
Are there works of service that my child will be asked to complete?
As part of the sacrament program, the students are asked to perform works of service for their church and community. The program is based upon the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Will my child be evaluated through written assessments?
When is my child’s sacrament Mass? May I choose my child’s sacrament Mass?
The RCIC sacrament Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6 at 9 am. Since there is only one Mass time, parents may not choose their child’s sacrament Mass.
There will be mandatory rehearsal on Monday, May 1 at 7:00 pm. Rehearsal will begin in the PAC (Parish Activity Center).
What are the expectations for attire for girls for the sacrament Mass?
Girls receiving the sacraments should wear a modest-cut dress or skirt, knee-length or longer. A white or pastel color is preferred. Alternatively, they may wear pants of any color. The dress or top must have sleeves of a minimum of 3-inch wide shoulder straps. No flip-flops are permitted. They may wear flowers in their hair, a tiara or a veil if they would like, but it is not required. They should not carry purses or anything in their hands. This includes Bibles, rosaries, candles, and gloves.
What are the expectations for attire for boys for the sacrament Mass?
Boys receiving the sacraments should wear dress pants, dress shirt, and dress shoes. They can wear a suit, but this is not a requirement. The color of the suit or pants can be traditional white or another color (gray, dark blue, black, khaki, etc.). The shirt can be white but does not have to be. It should be a dress shirt and not a polo. They may also wear a vest, jacket, and/or tie, but these are not required. They should not wear earrings or carry anything in their hands. This includes Bibles, rosaries, candles, and gloves.
Can pictures/videos be taken during Mass? May I hire a photographer/videographer?
- As a family, go to Mass each week (in person or virtual from home) with your child to give them a better understanding of what they will receive in the Sacrament, to learn the prayers and responses and to practice genuflecting and kneeling in the pew. Attending Mass will also help your child recognize the sacredness of the Eucharist and learn about our Catholic faith.
- Here is a link for the All Saints Mass Schedule: https://allsaintsvachurch.org/praying/worship/
- Pray every day with your child. Children must know the following prayers in the language of their choosing: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
- Read the Bible with your child. See this link for an online version of the Bible found at the Vatican website: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_INDEX.HTM
- If your child is baptized in the Catholic Church, review the sacrament of reconciliation with your child and practice the steps of the sacrament. Explain the sacrament and your experience of receiving the sacrament so that your child will be more comfortable. All parents whose children are baptized and are registered for the sacrament will receive an email link to a video on reconciliation, and the All Saints guides to reconciliation.
What are the Requirements to Register my child for the Sacrament?
To completely register your child for the sacraments, the child must have completed two years of sacramental education in All Saints Religious Education, a parochial school, or an approved home school program.
The following must be submitted together at the same time:
- If the child is baptized:
- Completed registration application, due January 19, 2023.
- A copy of BOTH SIDES of your child’s baptismal certificate, including the church seal.
- The complete and current address of the Church of Baptism
- Children in grades 2-8: registration fee of $30.00. Children in grades 9-12: registration fee of $100.00.
- If the child is NOT baptized:
- Completed registration application, due January 19, 2023.
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate
- Children in grades 2-8: registration fee of $30.00.
- Children in grades 9-12: registration fee of $100.00.
- No child is denied Sacraments if there is an inability to pay the sacrament registration fee. Please contact Samantha Welsh at swelsh@allsaintsva.org for more information.
- Once these items are submitted, parents will receive the program requirements packet to including sponsor form, saint report information, service information, and retreat registration form.
When is the Registration deadline?
The registration deadline is January 19, 2023. The registration application, the copy of the baptismal (baptized children) or birth certificate (unbaptized children), and the sacrament fee must all be submitted together. No child is denied Sacraments if there is an inability to pay the sacrament registration fee. Please contact Samantha Welsh at swelsh@allsaintsva.org for more information.
Where can I find the sacrament registration forms?
Click on the registration button under the RCIC tab on the All Saints Religious Education webpage. https://www.allsaintsreligiouseducation.org/rcic--rcia.html
How do I submit my registration documents?
- Email the registration form and the scanned copy or a photo of the baptismal certificate or birth certificate to: Tracy Polanco at cifc@allsaintsva.org.
- The fee may be paid by clicking the link at the end of the online registration form, or at this link: https://www.allsaintsreligiouseducation.org/rcicpayment.html.
- If parents are not able to submit forms electronically, they should call Tracy Polanco at 571-516-3150.
- Once these items are submitted, parents will receive the program requirements packet to including sponsor form, saint report information, service information, and retreat registration form.
Are there other program requirements that my child needs to complete, other than registering for the sacrament?
Once the registration information is submitted, parents will receive the program requirements packet to including sponsor form, saint report information, service information, and retreat registration form. This information will be sent via parent email.
Is my child receiving all three sacraments? Which sacraments will they receive?
- If your child is unbaptized and older than the age of 7 then they have started the process of Christian initiation (known also as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children or RCIC) which prepares them to enter into the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. They will receive all 3 sacraments at the same liturgy.
- If your child is already baptized in the Catholic Church and in 8th grade or above, they will receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation at the same liturgy.
- If your child is baptized in a Christian, but not Catholic, church, and they are in 8th grade or above, they will make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation at the same liturgy.
My child is baptized and needs to receive First Reconciliation. When will they receive this sacrament?
- For those who are baptized, they are scheduled to receive their First Reconciliation on Saturday, February 11. The scheduled time will be emailed to you.
- If you are unable to attend at your assigned time on February 11, or if you would like to attend confession on a different day, you may take your child to any regularly scheduled confession beginning in February. As stated earlier, it is important that parents prepare their child for the sacrament and practice with them. More information will be forthcoming to all families of children registered for the sacrament.
If my child is unbaptized, when will they receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation?
- Your child will not receive Reconciliation before being baptized, because their baptism will forgive their sins.
- After your child receives the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, they will be able to receive Reconciliation. You will be able to take your child to Reconciliation with your family to any regularly scheduled confession service after your child receives their sacraments.
Does my child need a Sponsor? What are the requirements of the Sponsor?
Each student receiving the sacraments must choose ONE person to be a sponsor. The sponsor must:
- Be a practicing Catholic
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have received the sacraments of Initiation
- If married, they must be married in the Catholic Church
- NOT be the mother or father of the candidate to be confirmed.
Once completed, the form should be returned to All Saints, ATTN: Tracy Polanco, by February 16, 2023
Sponsor Form Deadline: February 16, 2023. If the student does not have an approved sponsor by February 16 one may be assigned by the pastor.
Does my student have to choose a saint name? Do they need to submit a report?
Each student receiving the sacraments must choose a saint name. They should choose a saint who lived their life in a way that the student sees as a great way of living in a Christ-like way. The student can ask the patron saint for help and guidance, and pray for his or her intentions.
Students must write and submit a report on the saint they would like to choose. The report will need to be neatly written or typed and is due on March 28, 2023.
Students will need to include the information listed in the Saint Report Guide. This will be found in the information emailed to you once your sacrament registration is received and complete.
Saint Report Deadline: March 28, 2023. If the child does not receive approval for a selected patron saint by March 28, 2023 one may be assigned by the pastor.
Will my child attend a sacrament retreat?
All students must attend a sacrament retreat. A retreat permission form must be completed for the student to attend the retreat. This information will be emailed to you once your sacrament registration is received and complete.
- Grades 3-4: Saturday, March 4, 2023, 9 am – 12:30 pm.
- Grades 5-8: Saturday, February 25, 2023, 9 am -2:30 pm. Students must bring a packed lunch.
- Grades 9-12: Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 8:00 am - 8:30 pm. This retreat is held off campus at Linton Hall School in Bristow, VA. Snacks, lunch, and dinner will be provided.
Retreat Permission form Due Date: February 2, 2023.
Are there works of service that my child will be asked to complete?
As part of the sacrament program, the students are asked to perform works of service for their church and community. The program is based upon the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
- Students in grades 2-6 will complete 5 hours from the corporal works of mercy and 5 hours from the spiritual works of mercy. They will need to complete a log and reflection of their service.
- Students in grades 7-12 will complete 10 hours from the corporal works of mercy and 10 hours from the spiritual works of mercy. They will need to complete a log and reflection of their service.
- The corporal works of mercy are: feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, bury the dead and give alms to the poor. The spiritual works of mercy are acts of compassion including instruct, advise, console, comfort, forgive, and bear wrongs patiently. Parents and students will be sent a list of suggestions for service.
Will my child be evaluated through written assessments?
- All students who are in All Saints Parish religious education classes will be evaluated through two assessments during the catechetical year. These assessments will evaluate the child’s knowledge of the basics of the Catholic faith and their understanding of the sacraments. The students must be properly formed in the basics of the Catholic faith before receiving the sacraments.
- The assessments will be in December, January, and March.
- Students in in-person classes will receive the assessment in class.
- Students in online classes will receive the assessments online via Google form.
- For students who are being educated in a parochial school, the DRE will be in contact with the parochial school and their teacher to gauge their readiness for the sacrament.
- If the RE office feels a child needs additional help to understand the sacrament, information will be shared with the parent to review with their child. A personal interview with the DRE or Pastor may be needed.
When is my child’s sacrament Mass? May I choose my child’s sacrament Mass?
The RCIC sacrament Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6 at 9 am. Since there is only one Mass time, parents may not choose their child’s sacrament Mass.
There will be mandatory rehearsal on Monday, May 1 at 7:00 pm. Rehearsal will begin in the PAC (Parish Activity Center).
What are the expectations for attire for girls for the sacrament Mass?
Girls receiving the sacraments should wear a modest-cut dress or skirt, knee-length or longer. A white or pastel color is preferred. Alternatively, they may wear pants of any color. The dress or top must have sleeves of a minimum of 3-inch wide shoulder straps. No flip-flops are permitted. They may wear flowers in their hair, a tiara or a veil if they would like, but it is not required. They should not carry purses or anything in their hands. This includes Bibles, rosaries, candles, and gloves.
What are the expectations for attire for boys for the sacrament Mass?
Boys receiving the sacraments should wear dress pants, dress shirt, and dress shoes. They can wear a suit, but this is not a requirement. The color of the suit or pants can be traditional white or another color (gray, dark blue, black, khaki, etc.). The shirt can be white but does not have to be. It should be a dress shirt and not a polo. They may also wear a vest, jacket, and/or tie, but these are not required. They should not wear earrings or carry anything in their hands. This includes Bibles, rosaries, candles, and gloves.
Can pictures/videos be taken during Mass? May I hire a photographer/videographer?
- Pictures/videos may not be taken during the Mass.
- At their sacrament Mass, children are encountering Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time. This is the most important reason why we are gathering in this Mass is so that our children can encounter Christ as they receive the sacraments. This is first and foremost a sacred moment, therefore it is not appropriate to take pictures or video during Mass. It is especially inappropriate to walk in the aisle for a photo while a child is receiving Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament for the first time.
- Professional videographers and photographers will not be permitted to set up any equipment, including tripods, to record or photograph the Mass.